The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted a notice from the US Food and Drug Administration about the investigation of an outbreak of E. coli infections that was likely linked to the consumption of romaine lettuce produced in Salinas, California, which was suspected to be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately suspended the import into and sale within Hong Kong of romaine lettuce produced in the area concerned.

*Updated on 26 November 2019

The CFS has earlier instructed the importer concerned, Wing Kee Produce Ltd, to stop sale and recall a kind of the affected product. The CFS' follow-up investigations found that the importer had also sold several other kinds of the affected products produced in the area concerned. In addition, the Centre found that another importer, City Super Limited, had also imported several kinds of the affected products.

Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety

CFS has informed the US authorities concerned of the import suspension and alerted the trade to the incident.

The Centre will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action.

*Updated on 26 November 2019

The above-mentioned importers concerned had removed from shelves and stopped sale of the affected products, and initiated a recall according to the CFS' instructions.

The CFS has enhanced surveillance of romaine lettuce produced in the US at import and retail levels.

Advice to the Trade

Stop using or selling the affected batches of the products immediately if they possess them.

Advice to Consumers

Not to consume the affected batches of the products if they have purchased any.